10 Best Vacuum For Shag Carpets 2026 in the United States

The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for homes with shag carpets thanks to its strong suction and adjustable brush roll height. Its 960-watt motor ensures consistent power to pull dirt from deep within thick carpet fibers, which is important for shag carpets that can trap more debris. The brush roll has five height settings, allowing you to raise or lower it depending on your carpet thickness, helping avoid damage while still cleaning effectively.

Weighing just 10 pounds, this vacuum is easy to carry and maneuver around furniture or up stairs, which can be a big help in larger homes. It also comes with pet-friendly attachments like a turbo brush and crevice tool, useful for tackling pet hair and hard-to-reach spots on your carpet or upholstery. The 2.6-liter dust cup is generously sized to reduce how often you need to stop and empty it during cleaning.

On the downside, the vacuum has only one speed setting, which means you can’t adjust suction power for more delicate carpet care or different surfaces. Its foam filter is washable but may require regular maintenance to keep performance high, especially if you have pets. Also, it’s not cordless, so you need to manage the power cord as you clean. Noise levels are moderate, around 88 decibels, which might be noticeable but not overly loud. This vacuum offers effective cleaning for shag carpets with good suction and brush adjustments, combined with lightweight convenience, making it suitable for pet owners and those needing versatility on multiple floor types.

The Kenmore 600 Series Pet Friendly Bagged Canister Vacuum is a solid choice for homes with shag carpets and pets. It offers strong suction power with a two-motor system delivering at least 183 watts at the hose end, which helps lift dirt and pet hair effectively. The included Pop-N-Go brush roll is designed to avoid hair tangling, which is great for pet owners. Its motorized Pet PowerMate attachment is especially useful for removing stubborn pet hair from carpets and furniture.

Although it doesn’t mention adjustable height settings explicitly, the 14-inch cleaning width and aluminum telescoping wand (which extends up to 10 feet) improve reach and versatility, helping you clean harder-to-access areas easily. Weighing about 22.6 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for a canister vacuum, making it more maneuverable around furniture and in tight spots. The vacuum features a triple HEPA filter system that traps 99.97% of dirt and allergens, which is a big plus if allergies are a concern. The retractable cord and onboard storage for tools like the crevice tool and dusting brush add convenience.

On the downside, it does not have multiple power levels or explicit height adjustments for very thick shag carpets, which might limit deep cleaning effectiveness in some cases. Also, being a bagged vacuum means you’ll have ongoing costs for replacement bags. For those seeking a pet-friendly vacuum with strong suction, good filtration, and handy attachments that can handle shag carpets comfortably, this Kenmore model is worth considering.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a strong contender for anyone with shag carpets, especially pet owners. One of its standout features is the powerful suction, which effectively picks up dirt and pet hair, making it an excellent choice for homes with furry friends. The de-tangling technology is particularly impressive, as it automatically removes hair from the brush bar while you clean, a great benefit if you deal with shedding pets.

Maneuverability is another strong point, thanks to its unique ball technology that allows for easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. The vacuum also offers three cleaning modes, which can be adjusted depending on the surface, ensuring that it performs well on shag carpets as well as other floor types.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Weighing in at 17.33 pounds, it may feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended cleaning sessions. Additionally, while it comes with several specialized pet tools, the vacuum is corded, which might limit your reach compared to cordless models. The noise level of 75 dB is also on the higher side, which might be a consideration if you prefer quieter cleaning solutions. The advanced filtration system is a plus, as it keeps dust and allergens trapped inside, making it a suitable option for allergy sufferers. The included accessories, such as the tangle-free turbine tool and the pet groom tool, are valuable for tackling various cleaning challenges.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is well-equipped for shag carpets, particularly in homes with pets. Its powerful suction and specialized tools offer great performance, though its weight and corded design might be a downside for some users.